Ace & Jig's insider style tips

This Brooklyn fashion label puts a smile on your face. The more weather-worn the vintage fabrics the better, according to design duo Cary Vaughan and Jenna Wilson, whose mismatched textiles are made by hand in India

On their look

'The main drive behind Ace & Jig was to create a seasonless collection loosely based on one fabric - not denim or tees or knitwear. We wanted to make our own yarn-dye material that could tell many stories. Our silhouettes are quintessential pieces that live and travel with you. We like to play with weights and textures.'

On inspiration

'We love the colour and quirkiness of old hotels. A few favourites are The Greenbrier in West Virginia and the Madonna Inn, California. We had the chance to tour Skylands, Edsel Ford's Maine estate, now the holiday home of Martha Stewart. It is incredible. The property is so lovingly preserved and the gardens are unbelievable. We also love the Japanese designer Tsumori Chisato, her patterns are so whimsical.'

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On treasure hunts

'We both have the same pair of Omnigod patched boy's jeans that we found in Tokyo, which we cherish. And Cary has a vintage yellow eyelet dress from Mam'zelle Swing in Paris that's a favourite. We are big collectors. We always hit up flea markets wherever we go and are known to shamelessly rummage through baskets brimming over with a mass of materials. We collect everything and anything that tugs at our hearts, from buttons, trims, antique swatches and clothes to old books.'

On travelling

'At the Principe di Savoia in Milan, where we stayed once, our suite was like a setting from a movie; we immediately started jumping on the bed like children giddy with delight. Some of our best meals have been in Italy. Il Latini is in an alley behind the Santa Maria Novella in Florence. There are hams hanging from the ceiling and as soon as you walk in food just starts being brought out in huge family portions. Da Adolfo restaurant in Positano is another great find. A wooden boat takes you to a secluded cove where they serve just-caught fish and plenty of local wine.'